In the heart (and heat!) of a bustling Brookline, MA church kitchen, surrounded by the savory scents of Thanksgiving, I found myself deep in the role of mashing lots of potatoes for the community's holiday feast for the less fortunate.

I'm Rick Fingerman, managing partner and co-founder of Financial Planning Solutions, LLC.

While my days typically revolve around numbers and strategies, on this day, I was there for a different kind of nourishment — one that fills the soul by giving back to those less fortunate.

I am a managing partner and co-founder of Financial Planning Solutions, LLC. I specialize in guiding busy professionals through paying for college while planning for retirement. Planning one's finances is about more than just numbers. I help my clients understand what is most important. Then we build a plan that supports those priorities. In addition, I design retirement plans for small business owners. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, I bring years of practical experience helping families make wise decisions with their money.

Working at FPS inspires me because: I can relate to the challenges that many families face in trying to juggle work, family, activities, and finances when both parents work. I enjoy helping them sort things out so they know their goals and dreams are attainable.

When I’m not at FPS you can find me: Working out at the gym with my son, at my adult daughter's ultimate frisbee games or watching my younger son play volleyball on the college level. I also continue to lead my son’s Boy Scout Troop on weekend adventures, even though he is now an Eagle Scout and has aged out. In the winter, I like to downhill ski. In the summer, we attend two long-running week-long family reunions, one at Wells Beach, Maine and the other at our camp on Lake Winnisquam in New Hampshire. At the center of our family is our church in Newton, United Parish of Auburndale. It is a caring community where everyone is on their own faith-filled journey.

Most people don’t know: That I am a rail fan. Although I don’t get to do much of it right now, I enjoy watching these big machines and the important role they have played in the growth and development of our country.

As Senior Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) with Financial Planning Solutions, LLC, I guide individuals and families to visualize their financial and other life goals, help them understand their finances, and provide planning to realize their goals. I educate my clients about many areas of finance, including saving and investing for retirement and other goals, budgets and cash flow management, college funding for children, tax planning, and more. I especially enjoy working with women with limited financial literacy or considering divorce. I became a CDFA® (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®) to better serve this niche.

My story began in my hometown of Pittsburgh. Before marriage, my mother was an assistant to a member of the Mellon family. She loved the world of investing and finance. When widowed at 39 with three children under age 10, she went back to work. She subscribed to the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and Barron’s - not common for women in the 1970’s. She actively participated in an investment club and inspired me to pursue a career in financial services.

Working at FPS inspires me because: The work that I do as a financial planner helps clients meet their financial needs and address their challenges. Watching others reach their financial goals is the most rewarding part of being a team member at FPS, and it motivates me every day.

Most people don’t know: Despite being a die-hard Baltimore Orioles fan, I am a partial season ticket holder of the Boston Red Sox.

When I’m not at FPS you can find me: Playing co-ed league softball, basketball and soccer. I love spending time outdoors with friends through sports. You can also find me supporting the American Red Cross as an active platelet donor.

If I could spend one day with one person past or present it would be: My grandfather who passed away when I was 17. His charismatic personality and charming smile always lit up a room, and I would love to laugh over one more game of Bingo with him.

Maggie is our Client Service Specialist here at Financial Planning Solutions, LLC. She brings years of industry experience and is an integral part of our team. She strives to provide the highest level of service to our client's needs. Whether scheduling an appointment, updated your address, or answering any other questions you may have pertaining to your accounts, Maggie is here to help.

Working at FPS inspires me because: I thrive on partnering with clients to help provide the best possible experience.

When I’m not at FPS you can find me: Doing something out in nature. I enjoy road cycling, kayaking or taking my dog for a hike. I also enjoy cooking which sometimes means sticking to the recipe and other times adapting it to whatever is currently in season. I am also a huge sports fan and can talk Red Sox baseball with the best of them.

Most people don’t know: I took up stand-up comedy as a hobby in my 20s. It was a great challenge to stand in front of the crowd and share my insights on current affairs. After I would get my first laugh the stage fright would slip away. I still get up on stage from time to time.

Working at FPS inspires me because: I have the privilege of getting to meet with client's and truly develop an understanding of their financial and lifestyle goals. On the planning side I am inspired by seeing the benefits that financial planning can have on our clients. I am also inspired to be working and learning under a tremendous team of CFPs, as becoming a Certified Financial Planner is one of my long-term goals. I'm looking forward to helping our clients overcome their financial hardships and bring a brighter future!

When I’m not at FPS you can find me: Golfing, surfing, playing guitar, or weightlifting. I love being active and spending time outside in the sun. I also enjoy skiing in the winter, and water skiing in the summertime.

Most people don’t know: I spent the Fall semester of my Junior Year studying in Barcelona.

Working at FPS inspires me because: I get to see how much of an impact my team has on their client’s financial wellbeing, and I am excited to be a part of that process!

When I’m not at FPS you can find me: travelling, spending time with family, baking, skiing, or relaxing at the beach

Most people don’t know: I went rock climbing for the first time last year in Joshua Tree

Working at FPS inspires me because: It allows me to meet face to face with a diverse group of people and create more insightful connections with clients. In connection with this, being able to help people in financial situations and seeing them relieved of the stress of finances is always a good feeling.

When I’m not at FPS you can find me: Surfing, weightlifting, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or golfing. Growing up in the nature in Maine I grew up spending most of my free hours outside exploring what the world has to offer up there. Spending time outside is still where you can find me and where I believe I will continue to enjoy my hours for the rest of my life.

Most people don’t know: I am bilingual in Spanish and travel to Chile to visit family every couple of years. 

If I could spend one day with one person past or present it would be: My grandfather. He passed away when I was only 7, but the stories and interviews I have seen of him today resonate with me. The ability to have a higher intellectual conversation compared to when I was 7 is one that I would love to have with him. He has been a role model for me and someone who I aspire to be character wise.